Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program/Concentration
Counseling
Committee Director
Jeff Moe
Committee Member
Gulsah Kemer
Committee Member
Seongryeong Yu
Abstract
This study investigates the psychometric properties of transgender-specific items within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBTDOCSS), a self-report skill designed to assess counselor knowledge, awareness, and practice with LGBTQ+ identified clients (Bidell, 2017) . As mental health disparities persist among LGBTQ+ populations, particularly those who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD), it is critical to evaluate the adequacy of existing measures for assessing gender identity.
There is a lack of standardized, enforceable guidelines for training counselors to competently serve LGBTQ+ and TGD clients. This research aims to validate and ensure the reliability of the transgender-specific items in the LGBT-DOCSS. The findings have the potential to bridge a gap in the literature by offering a more nuanced understanding of gender identity competencies, while also highlighting the importance of distinguishing between sexual orientation and gender identity in counselor education and practice. The study contributes to the broader conversation on how counselor preparation programs can better equip future therapists to address the unique mental health needs of gender-expansive individuals, ultimately fostering more affirming, effective therapeutic relationships.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
ISBN
9798197830371
Recommended Citation
Corley, Peighton. "Validating the LGBT-DOCSS: Understanding Measurement of Transgender Clinical Competencies" (2026). Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Dissertation, , Old Dominion University, https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/chs_etds/189
Included in
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Queer Studies Commons
Comments
Embargo applied due to message in ProQuest: "At the request of the author or degree granting institution, this graduate work is not available to view or purchase. The expected date of availability is unknown."